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Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD Owner's Manual

Harman-kardon stereo receiver user manual
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AVR 3550HD
AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
OWNER'S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD

  • Page 1 AVR 3550HD AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER OWNER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    SAFETY INFORMATION Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. The A/V receiver’s cabinet may be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Information

    • Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit, or place objects directly over them. • Due to the weight of the AVR 3550HD and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the SAFETY INFORMATION unit’s feet may leave marks on certain wood or veneer materials.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote Step Nine – Remote IR Inputs and Output (optional) Step Ten – Install a Multizone System (optional) Step Eleven – Turn On the AVR 3550HD INITIAL SETUP Using the On-Screen Menu System...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Over the years, Harman Kardon products have become easier to use, and have delivered superior value. The AVR 3550HD multizone 7.1-channel digital audio/video receiver carries this tradition forward, with some of the most Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver...
  • Page 6 • Zone 2 IR input, Carrier IR Output and A-BUS IR Output • IEC detachable AC power cord for easy installation Supplied Accessories The following accessory items are supplied with the AVR 3550HD. If any of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer service at www.harmankardon.com.

  • Page 7: Front-Panel Controls

    FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS...
  • Page 8 It is important to ensure that it is not blocked. If covering the sensor is unavoidable, use an optional Harman Kardon HE 1000, or other infrared receiver, connecting it to the Remote IR Input on the AVR 3550HD’s rear panel. AVR Settings Button: main menu.

  • Page 9: Rear-Panel Connections

    REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS...
  • Page 10 If your video display is equipped with HDMI or component video inputs, these connections are unnecessary, as the AVR 3550HD will convert the Use two- composite or S-video source signal to the correct format for a single video cable connection to the TV.
  • Page 11 RS-232 Mode: Leave this switch popped out in the Operate position unless the AVR 3550HD is being upgraded. RS-232 Reset: This switch is only used during a software upgrade. Switched AC Accessory Outlet:...

  • Page 12: Main Remote Control Functions

    MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS IR Transmitter Lens AVR Power Off AVR Power On Source Selectors Audio Effects Alphanumeric Keys Back/Exit Teletext Volume Record Info Settings AVR Settings Zone Selector Last Light Mute Learn Device Power On Device Power Off Video Modes Surround Modes Activity Menu...
  • Page 13 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The AVR 3550HD remote is capable of controlling 8 devices, including the AVR itself and an iPod docked in the included The Bridge II. During the installation process, you may program the codes for each of your source components into the remote.
  • Page 14 Learn: The AVR 3550HD remote is capable of “learning” individual IR codes from the original remote that came with a source device. See Step Eight of the Installation section.

  • Page 15: Zone 2 Remote Control Functions

    ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS Power Off Not Used AVR Settings Back/Exit Volume Controls Zone Selector IR Transmitter Mute Source Selectors Sleep Settings Info Settings Menu Navigation Transport Controls Zone Indicator NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instructions throughout the manual that refer to this illustration, a copy of this page may be downloaded from the Product Support section at www.harmankardon.com.
  • Page 16 Input Selectors is pressed, even if the AVR itself is in Standby mode. When in the main listening room, press any Input Selector or the AVR Selector to turn on the AVR 3550HD. Mute: Press to mute the AVR 3550HD’s remote zone speakers tem- porarily.

  • Page 17: Introduction To Home Theater

    Dolby TrueHD, DTS-ES (Discrete and Matrix), DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio and Logic 7 (7.1 modes). The surround back speakers are optional, and the AVR 3550HD may be set up with a 5.1-channel system in the main listening area, and the surround back channels reassigned to a multizone system, where the surround back channels power loudspeakers located in another room.

  • Page 18: Connections

    The AVR 3550HD uses HDMI (V.1.3a with Deep Color) technology and is capable of processing both the audio and video components of the HDMI data, minimizing the number of cable connections in your system.

  • Page 19: Analog Audio

    Use the analog audio connections even with the Surround Back/Zone 2 speaker outputs, in case another 2-channel digital audio source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 3550HD is only capable of processing one PCM source at a time.

  • Page 20: Antennas

    AVR 3550HD’s ease of control. RS-232 Serial Port The RS-232 serial port on the AVR 3550HD is used only for software upgrades. If an upgrade for the receiver’s operating system is released in the future, it may be downloaded to the AVR using this port. Complete...

  • Page 21: Speaker Placement

    The center speaker should be no more than two feet above or below the left/right speakers. If you’re using only two speakers with the AVR 3550HD, place them in the front left and right positions.

  • Page 22: Installation

    INSTALLATION Before beginning to connect the various components to the receiver, turn off all devices, including the AVR 3550HD, and unplug their power cords. Don’t plug in any of the power cords until you have finished making all of your connections.
  • Page 23 Figure 20: • Connect the player’s HDMI output to the HDMI 1, 2 or 3 Input. AVR 3550HD Figure 20 – Connecting an HDMI-Equipped Disc Player If the DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player is not capable...
  • Page 24 • Connect the recorder’s HDMI output to the HDMI 1, 2 or 3 Input for playback only. • To make recordings, follow the instructions below for Composite/ S-video recorders. AVR 3550HD Figure 24 – Connecting an HDMI-Equipped Recorder Component Video: If the recorder and the TV both have component video connectors, connect the recorder as shown in Figure 25: •...

  • Page 25: Video Components

    Figure 29 – Connecting an Audio Recorder Connect an iPod Using The AVR 3550HD includes The Bridge II, a docking station compatible with most docking iPod models, 4G and later (not included). Use the AVR remote to enjoy navigation and control of audio and video content stored on the iPod following the on-screen menus.

  • Page 26: Step Five - Connect The Video Display

    AC Switched Accessory Outlet. See Figure 35. Turn on the device’s mechanical or master power switch, and it will power on any time the AVR 3550HD is turned on. If the device has a clock or must always be on, do not plug it into this outlet.

  • Page 27: Step Seven - Insert Batteries In Remote

    Insert the batteries as shown in Figure 37, observing the correct polarity. Figure 37 – Remote Battery Compartment Point the remote’s lens toward the front panel of the AVR 3550HD. Make sure no objects, such as furniture, are blocking the remote’s path to the receiver.

  • Page 28: Step Nine - Remote Ir Inputs And Output (Optional)

    Harman Kardon HE 1000, to the Remote IR Input jack. For multizone operation, connect an optional IR receiver, keypad or other control device to the Zone 2 IR Input for remote control of the AVR 3550HD (and any sources connected to the AVR’s Remote IR Output) from the remote zone.

  • Page 29: Step Eleven - Turn On The Avr 3550Hd

    Step Eleven – Turn On the AVR 3550HD Two steps are required the first time you turn on the AVR 3550HD. 1. Flip the rear-panel Main Power Switch to the “ On” position. The Power Indicator on the front panel will turn amber, indicating that the AVR is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned on.
  • Page 30 INSTALLATION Figure 47 – AVR Power On and Source Selectors NOTES: • Any time you press one of the Source Selectors on the remote (i.e., Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game or AUX), the remote will switch device modes. To control the receiver, press the AVR Settings Button.

  • Page 31: Initial Setup

    In this section, you will configure the AVR 3550HD to match your actual system. A video display must be connected to one of the video monitor outputs on the receiver. Using the On-Screen Menu System Although it’s possible to configure the AVR using only the remote and the front-panel messages, it is easier to use the full-screen menu system.

  • Page 32: Set Up Sources

    Cancel. When you are ready to begin, select Continue and press the OK Button. NOTE: The AVR 3550HD will automatically set its master volume to –25dB. Step Four – After you select “Continue” , the screen shown in Figure 53 will appear.
  • Page 33 Off. The AVR will also select the assigned video source. There are no “audio- only” sources on the AVR 3550HD, other than the Radio, which uses a special on-screen menu. If no video signal is present, the display will remain black.
  • Page 34 INITIAL SETUP Resolution to Display: This setting reflects the video output resolution, which is dependent upon the capabilities of the video display. • If the display is connected to the AVR’s HDMI Output, the two devices will communicate with each other, and the AVR will automatically select the correct video output resolution.

  • Page 35: Operation

    (dB) below the 0dB reference point. 0dB is the maximum volume for the AVR 3550HD. Although it’s possible to turn the volume to a higher level, doing so may damage your hearing and your speakers.

  • Page 36: Source Selection

    XM Radio is a satellite-delivered service that offers hundreds of program channels, as well as local traffic and weather information for select cities. The AVR 3550HD is an XM Ready device, and is able to receive the XM service when a user-supplied XM antenna module is connected and the service activated.

  • Page 37: Recording

    Hawaii. Visit the XM Radio Web site at www.xmradio.com for more information. Plug the module into the XM Antenna Jack on the rear of the AVR 3550HD. Place the antenna module so that it has a clear view through a south- facing window.

  • Page 38: Selecting A Surround Mode

    If a video monitor is connected to the AVR 3550HD and the system is not in iPod Manual Mode, it will display the play mode icon, song title, artist and album.
  • Page 39 information on surround modes may be found in the Advanced Functions section. To select a surround mode, press the Surround Modes Button (front panel or remote) repeatedly until the desired option appears: SURR: AUTO SELECT, SURR: VIRTUAL, SURR: STEREO, SURR: MOVIE, SURR: MUSIC or SURR: GAME.

  • Page 40: Advanced Functions

    For any incoming signal, only a limited number of surround modes are available. Although there is never a time when all of the AVR 3550HD’s surround modes are available, there is usually a wide variety of modes available for a given input.

  • Page 41: Dolby Surround Settings

    The first number indicates the number of front channels in the signal: “1” represents a monophonic recording, usually an older program that has been digitally remastered or, more rarely, a modern program for which the director has chosen a special effect. “2”...

  • Page 42: Night Mode

    Setup section. Do not enable these channels if you don’t have surround back speakers in your system. Manual Setup The AVR 3550HD is flexible and may be configured for most speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your room. The EzSet/EQ process automatically detects the capabilities of each speaker, and optimizes the AVR 3550HD’s performance.

  • Page 43: Number Of Speakers

    The setting for the surround back speakers includes a third option: Zone 2. The AVR 3550HD is capable of multizone operation, supporting placement of a pair of speakers in another room. The AVR 3550HD’s assignable surround back amplifier channels make multizone operation easier than ever, since an external power amplifier is not required.

  • Page 44: Adjust Speaker Distance Menu

    Reset Levels: To reset all levels to their factory defaults of 0dB, scroll down to this line and press the OK Button. To set your levels using the AVR 3550HD’s internal test tone, adjust the TEST TONE line as follows: Test Tone: Determines whether the test tone is active.

  • Page 45: Audio Effects

    When you have finished, press the Audio Effects Button or the Back/Exit Button. Video Adjustments The AVR 3550HD uses leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing technology. Incoming video is upscaled to 1080p (1080i with component video outputs) for outstanding video quality, even with analog video sources.

  • Page 46: How To Adjust The Custom Picture Settings

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONS • Sports: For sporting events. • Nature: For programs shot outdoors, in a natural setting. • Movie: For movies and many television broadcasts. • Custom: Allows manual adjustment of the picture settings. The Brightness, Contrast, Color and Sharpness settings appear as sliders with values ranging from 0 to 100.

  • Page 47: Multizone Operation

    Contrary to intuition, the picture will appear sharper and clearer with the sharpness backed off from the maximum setting. Reduce the sharpness setting on your television, and the setting on the AVR 3550HD if neces- sary, to minimize the appearance of any white lines between the bars in the gray scale portion of the test screen.

  • Page 48: Operating The Multizone System

    Zone 1, or red to operate Zone 2. Figure 76 – Zone Select Switch System Settings The AVR 3550HD offers system settings for ease of use that don’t ⁄ ¤ directly affect performance. These settings may be accessed from the System Settings menu, which is selected by pressing the AVR Settings Button and navigating to the System line.

  • Page 49: Advanced Remote Control Functions

    CRT displays. Advanced Remote Control Functions The AVR 3550HD remote control also serves as a universal remote that may be programmed to operate other components. Refer to the Function List (Table A13 in the appendix) for assistance in operating your other components.

  • Page 50: Processor Reset

    AVR 3550HD does not perform a system reset. DO NOT press the RS-232 Reset Button. To reset the AVR 3550HD, place it in Standby mode (press the front- panel Standby/On Switch so that the Power Indicator turns amber). Then press and hold the front-panel OK Button for at least five seconds until the RESET message appears.

  • Page 51: Troubleshooting Guide

    Additional information on troubleshooting possible problems with your AVR 3550HD, or installation-related issues, may be found in the list of “Frequently Asked Questions” , which is located in the Product Support section of our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

  • Page 52: Appendix

    APPENDIX Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections Device Type AVR 3550HD Source Cable TV, satellite TV, HDTV CBL/SAT or other device that delivers television programs DVD Audio/Video, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD player...
  • Page 53 Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Audio Input Left/Right Speakers Center Speaker Left/Right Surround Speakers Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Subwoofer Left/Right Speakers Crossover Center Speaker Crossover Left/Right Surround Speakers Crossover Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Crossover Subwoofer Mode Subwoofer Size Front Left Level Center Level Front Right Level Surround Right Level...
  • Page 54 APPENDIX Table A5 – Source Settings Cable/Sat Surround Modes Video Input Audio Input Resolution to Display Adjust Lip Sync Change Name Audio Auto Polling Zone 2 Audio Table A6 – Audio Effects Settings Default Cable/Sat Tone Control Treble Bass LFE Trim Night Mode Table A7 –...
  • Page 55 Table A8 – Surround Modes Default Cable/Sat Auto Select Logic 7 Movie or native digital format Virtual Surround Dolby Virtual Speaker Reference Stereo 7 CH Stereo Movie Logic 7 Movie Music Logic 7 Music Game Logic 7 Game Center Width Dimension Panorama Note: These settings are only available when Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music mode has been selected.
  • Page 56 APPENDIX Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings Source Input Status Source Volume Surround Back Amps Table A12 – Surround Modes Surround Mode Description Dolby Digital Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a dedicated low-frequency effects (LFE) channel. May be encoded for Night mode, which allows the user to apply a compression setting that maintains intelligibility of softer passages while reducing the loudness of dynamic passages to avoid disturbing others.
  • Page 57 Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes may be selected not only with Dolby Digital bit- streams, but thanks to the AVR 3550HD’s post-processor, they may also be used with some DTS bitstreams to add a surround back channel to 5.1 modes.
  • Page 58 Movie encoding, Logic 7 Movie mode increases center channel intelligibility. Logic 7 The AVR 3550HD is programmed at the factory to default to this mode for Music 2-channel signals. Logic 7 Music mode is well suited to conventional 2-channel music recordings.
  • Page 59 Surround Mode Description Logic 7 Game Use Logic 7 Game mode to enhance enjoyment of video game consoles. 5-Channel Stereo Useful for parties, the left- and right-channel information is played through both the front and surround speakers on each side, while the center speaker plays a summed mono mix.
  • Page 60 APPENDIX Refer to the numbered buttons in Figure 78 when using the Function List. Figure 78 – Remote Control Function List Reference...
  • Page 61 Table A13 – Remote Control Function List Button Name AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off Device Power On Device Power Off CBL/SAT Input Sel Input Sel Input Sel Input Sel The Bridge Input Sel...
  • Page 62 APPENDIX Table A13 – continued Button Name CBL/SAT AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power Off AVR Power Off Device Power On Power On Device Power Off Power Off CBL/SAT Input Sel Input Sel The Bridge Input Sel Radio Radio Input Sel Game...
  • Page 63 Refer to Tables A14 through A24 when programming the codes for your components into the remote. Table A14 – Remote Control Product Codes: TV TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number AIWA A MARK ADMIRAL AKAI AMPRO ANAM BLAUPUNKT BROKSONIC CANDLE CAPEHART CENTURION CENTRONIC CITIZEN...
  • Page 64 APPENDIX Table A14 – continued TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number TATUNG TECHNICS TECHWOOD TEKNIKA TELERENT TERA THOMSON TOSHIBA TOTEVISION VIDEO CONCEPTS VIDTECH WARDS YAMAHA YORK YUPITERU ZENITH ZONDA Table A15 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - HDTV TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number MOTOROLA SAMSUNG...
  • Page 65 Table A17 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - CD CD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ADCOM 063 069 AIWA 072 111 118 AKAI 050 177 184 AUDIO TECHNICA AUDIOACCESS AUDIOFILE CALIFORNIA AUDIO CAPETRONIC CARRERA CARVER 136 140 141 CASIO 117 166 CLARINETTE DENON 187 188 213...
  • Page 66 APPENDIX Table A19 – Remote Control Product Codes: SAT SAT Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ALPHASTAR ALPHASTAR DBS ALPHASTAR DSR BIRDVIEW CHANNEL MASTER 320 321 325 CHAPARRAL 315 316 451 CITOH DRAKE 313 317 318 DX ANTENNA 331 352 379 ECHOSTAR 395 397 452 484 485 ELECTRO HOME...
  • Page 67 Table A21 – continued CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA 183 203 221 SEAM SIGNATURE 001 188 SPRUCER 053 081 177 STARCOM 002 011 163 STARGATE TANDY TELECAPATION TEXSCAN TIMELESS TOCOM 170 205 UNITED CABLE UNIVERSAL 033 034 039 VIDEOWAY 124 211 VIEWSTAR...

  • Page 68: Technical Specifications

    Distortion 1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8% Selectivity ±10kHz, 30dB Please register your AVR 3550HD at www.harmankardon.com. You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products and/or special promotions. Video Section Television Format...
  • Page 69 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.harmankardon.com © 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Part No. CQX1A1314Z...

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